LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones assured the student-leaders that the agency will prioritize their proposals and suggestions in addressing education sector challenges during the Student Parliamentarians’ Virtual Town Hall Meeting via Microsoft Teams.

Secretary Briones noted that she would forward the suggestions of the student parliamentarians to the concerned DepEd offices for their consideration in crafting policies and interventions for learners' benefits.

“Itong resolusyon na ito ay i-pass on ko sa ating School Health Division, which work very closely with the Department of Health. Sang-ayon ako right now [sa proposals ninyo]. Maraming mga programa ngayon ang ini-initiate ng Department of Education (DepEd) kung saan tinutulungan ang teachers [at] ang kabataan [regarding their problems],” Secretary Briones said.

"All of you have to work on these problems with the help of course of your teachers, professional groups, your parents, and of faith groups. Everyone has problems, and you have to face them, and we will do everything we can to help you," she added.

With the theme "Batas, Hustisya, at Karangalan: Kabataang Pilipino, may Makabayang Paninindigan Gamit ang Puso, Galing, at Talino", the virtual forum also became the platform of learners to present the Committees’ other Educational Policy and Legislation Proposals.

The said program likewise served as an open and participatory platform for learners to share, collaborate, and identify critical gaps in current practices and policies in education.

Secretary Briones also accommodated numerous queries from the student leaders to further emphasize the initiatives and interventions of the Department in assisting the learners and teachers.

“Gusto ko lang i-emphasize na ang edukasyon ay responsibilidad ng buong komunidad. Department of Education and Health are specifically mandated to provide certain services [to learners],” Secretary Briones noted.

Student participants, likewise, raised various concerns of the Filipino Youth to ensure that the Education Department adequately safeguards their welfare and rights.

Through the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA), the Bureau of Learner Support Services - Youth Formation Division spearheaded the National Student Parliament 2021 through OUA Memo 00-1121-0005. (DepEd)